Senior Associate Director, Higher Education Reform

The Aspen Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and prescribe

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC-based College Excellence Program is seeking an Associate Director with strong leadership in higher education reform to advance transfer pathways and improve student outcomes. This role is based in Washington, DC with on-site work and travel, coordinating with leadership teams and funders.

Responsibilities include strategic program leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and staff supervision to accelerate bachelor’s attainment and economic

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in education reform and transfer policy.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-institutional projects.
• Strong written and oral communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience engaging college presidents and senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic execution of Aspen's transfer and four-year portfolios.
• Deliver technical assistance and coaching to college leaders.
• Design executive convenings, regional workshops, and site visits.
• Develop practical tools and implementation guides rooted in field insights.
• Build strategic relationships across higher education systems.
• Oversee project budgets and reporting to funders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Collaboration

Analytical capacity

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC-based College Excellence Program is seeking an Associate Director with strong leadership in higher education reform to advance transfer pathways and improve student outcomes. This role is based in Washington, DC with on-site work and travel, coordinating with leadership teams and funders.

Responsibilities include strategic program leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and staff supervision to accelerate bachelor’s attainment and economic